On this weekend of sport in which we have gorged on the Grand National, Dublin v Kerry and Premier League football, the sweet trolley is rolled out one more time for the concluding 18 holes of the Masters, golf's first major of the year, in Georgia 'across the pond'.
We will stuff our faces not with chocolate eclairs or coffee slices, but with sheer visceral anticipation of a Hollywood movie over 4 plus hours.
There are so many plots in play, and nobody knows how it's going to end.
On 6 under par, tied for the lead are two European golfers, England's Justin Rose and Spain's Sergio Garcia. A shot back on 5 under is American Rickie Fowler. On 4 under are a trio of Americans in 2015 champion Jordan Spieth, Ryan Moore and Charley Hoffman. Past Master Adam Scott is next on 3 under. I think one can draw a line there.
There is so much talent among those players that it's hard to see anyone else winning. Rory McIlroy would probably have to shoot the round of his life, a 63 or 64 from level par to have a chance. I can't see it happening. Conditions will be conducive to low scoring and one of the principals should take advantage.
So what of them?
Justin Rose won the 2013 U.S. Open and has a proven track record as a tour winner, Ryder Cup star and Olympic champion. He has always liked Augusta, posting 4 top 10s in his career, setting the pace in 2004, contending in 2007 and finishing tied second behind Spieth 2 years ago. He is not flashy, but has always been a pure ball striker and decent iron player. People criticise his putting, but I believe that is excessive versus the evidence of his achievements. If he can build on Saturday's excellent round of 67 he will be hard to pass, but his U.S. Open win was timed to perfection. My gut is telling me he may have peaked too soon.
Sergio Garcia would richly deserve a first major title at the age of 37, on what would have been the 60th birthday of the late great Spanish trailblazer, Seve Ballesteros. Sergio has shown more maturity in recent years, enabling him to move on from ordinary putting and maintain faith that his supreme ball striking can keep him in contention. That is exactly what has happened so far this week. He should be able to attack the par 5s, so he's a danger to all. The key determinant is pressure. How will he cope with the treacherous greens if he has short putts for birdies or pars in the closing stretch? A clustered field complicates his quest. On the flip side, after 22 top 10s in majors, it might just be his time.
Rickie Fowler is my idea of the likely winner right now. He is playing great golf, has won a big tournament in style (The Players Championship) and I think he is ready to break into the major circle. The Californian didn't bring his best on Saturday, but still took 71. I like the way he is hitting the ball and he has been aggressive on the greens, which is what I believe is required. My one doubt is his propensity to make unforced errors, but he's learning all the time and has the game to shoot in the 60s and slip on that green jacket.
23 year old Jordan Spieth is bidding for redemption after his amazing wire to wire 2015 win was followed by a collapse 12 months ago when he found the water at the 12th hole. On Thursday, he took 9 strokes on 15 and has battled back superbly since then. He is a teak tough competitor and the more fire in the belly, the better. His chances will be highlighted by his performance in the opening 6 holes. His putting is his ace card and if they start rolling in early, watch out.
I cannot see journeyman Charley Hoffman winning as he has been going backwards since Thursday, while Adam Scott will need his flat stick to behave and that is not a given. Don't discount Ryan Moore from the equation. He was a brilliant amateur back in the day and it's taken a long time for his professional career to flourish. He played his part in last year's Ryder Cup and pushed Rory McIlroy all the way in the Tour Championship. I have been watching him for years and I think he is like a dog with a bone when in real contention. He is fearless and if his unconventional game and individualistic approach allows him the opportunity to challenge, he may be the dark horse.
For Charl Schwartzel, a position of 2 under looks to be too far back. McIlroy has not caught fire this week and Augusta remains a voodoo doll until he wins it. For all his talent, it's very difficult to envisage a 64 catapulting him over the field into the ceremonial Butler Cabin.
Enjoy what promises to be epic TV tonight. Rose and Garcia are the last pair to tee off at 7.45 Irish time.
